By Mariama Bundu
At the Oxford Africa Conference 2026 held at the University of Oxford, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio urged African leaders to adopt stronger, more resilient and reform-focused leadership to address the continent’s growing challenges.
Speaking to students, policymakers, and members of the African diaspora, he said Africa must build institutions that can withstand crises such as climate change, economic shocks, and political instability. He stressed that problems like drought, food shortages, and security issues are closely linked and must be addressed together.
President Bio, who also chairs ECOWAS, warned that unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa reflect deeper governance problems and weak public trust. He said democracy must improve people’s everyday lives, not just function during elections.
He highlighted Sierra Leone’s reforms, including the Free Quality Education programme and the Feed Salone agriculture initiative, as examples of progress through consistent policy.
The president also called for Africa to take a more active role in shaping artificial intelligence governance and to invest more in climate resilience. He added that Africa’s large youth population must be given greater opportunities to avoid rising frustration.
He concluded by encouraging young Africans and the diaspora to stay connected to the continent and contribute to its development, saying Africa’s future depends on steady leadership and bold reforms.
